Stephanie Daly
I studied A levels in English Literature, French, History and Geography at Collyer’s from 2006-2008. Collyer’s was a wonderful preparation for the independent study skills and maturity to succeed at university.
After Collyer’s I went onto university to study an MA in English Literature and French at St Andrews and then undertook a lectureship at the Sorbonne University in Paris from 2012-2014. I was then accepted onto the Teach First programme, based in Newcastle, and obtained my PGCE. I taught in an incredibly challenging school environment, in a severely underperforming school which was incredibly difficult but rewarding. During this time, I completed my MA in Educational Leadership looking into leadership distribution in multi-site academy schools. I returned to Paris soon after and became an English teacher and university advisor and now Head of English at an International School in Paris.
In terms of a typical day I usually get up about 6am and attend a yoga class in the St Germain area of Paris. I then grab a coffee and croissant and head into school for 9am where I observe teachers, attend leadership meetings before teaching years 11,12 and 13 after lunch. I then spend time meeting with year 13 students about university.
I love my role as I laugh every day, I stay young, and I get to use my brain.
If anyone would like to work in my field, or perhaps live abroad, I would say organisation, independence and a good sense of humour are vital! Also taking a language at Collyer’s was one of the best decisions I ever took for broadening my horizons and future choices.
What next Stephanie? I would like to become a head teacher at an international school and then move onto teach on a teacher training course at university.